How to Treat Fibromyalgia

Posted on May 25th, 2009 by Marck

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Chronic pain is a major struggle for many people. Body pain is usually a symptom of a disease, but there are some illnesses where pain itself becomes the disease. In a medical diagnosis like fibromyalgia, it’s very important for the patient to find a way to manage the pain.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by chronic pain all over the body, and hypersensitivity to touch. The condition usually affects muscles and connective tissue found along the major joints of the body, including the legs, hips, upper back, arms, and legs. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Insomnia and other sleeping difficulties
Breathing problems
Bowel trouble
Problems with chewing and swallowing
Amnesia
Tingling and numbness, particularly in the fingers and toes
Anxiety attacks

Doctors debate and disagree on the causes of fibromyalgia. Some believe that the disease is caused by genetics, although some doctors also believe that the illness may also be caused by stress or a long-term consequence of persistent sleep disturbance. Neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin are also shown to have links withn fibromyalgia.

Medication

Fibromyalgia has no known cure. Most of the therapeutic remedies for fibromyalgia are geared towards managing symptoms and reducing pain:

Painkillers. Over-the-counter analgesics can help relieve some of the pain-related symptoms of fibromyalgia, although the doctor may prescribe more powerful pain relievers to reduce and minimize pain attacks.
Anti-seizure drugs. Pregabalin is often used to treat neuropathy and other illnesses similar to the pain symptoms experienced by patients with fibromyalgia.
Anti-depressants. Some doctors believe that fibromyalgia may be partly caused by neurochemical imbalances. Anti-depressant therapy can sometimes relieve pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia if the doctor’s diagnosis is consistent with abnormal levels of dopamine and serotonin.

Alternative Medicine

Herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and exercise can also help relieve the painful effects of fibromyalgia. While there is no guarantee that the disease will correct itself, many alternative medical treatments are helpful ways to manage the symptoms. Remember to consult your doctor before trying an alternative medical therapy; some of the treatments may end up doing more harm than good.

Fibromyalgia can pose a challenge to people who suffer from it. With these tips, you can cope with the illness as best you can.